964 died while driving

bbturbo · 05-21-2016, 10:26 AM

Hey everyone, seeking advice here. Just walked home after getting my 1990 964 c4 towed to my technician. So glad I have AAA...

While I was driving down the road, I rook the rpms up to about 4.5k going, about 50 mph, and all of a sudden, the car died. I put it into neutural and coasted down the highway a hundred feet and tried to start it again. It started, but then died as soon as I put it into gear.

I rolled to a stop on the grass and smoke came out my vents. No AC or heater on at time. The battery is new, but it was acting like engine was hard to turn over like I had a dead battery; however all dash lights came on normally and windows rolled right up. I have it at the shop now (unfortunately), but wanted to seek advice from everyone.

My guess alternator related for it to not stay running and for smoke to roll out the vents, but unsure. Thank you for your input.

john75 · 05-21-2016, 07:02 PM

Same thing happened to me. It was the DME relay. They sometimes go bad. You can resodder it or buy a new one for $25 dollars.

bbturbo · 05-22-2016, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the advice. My DME relay is not that old and I have another in the glove box, but I didn't think this was that since I checked it out. I didn't look like it had gone out or suffered any type of heat.

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

You won't be able to tell a bad DME relay from a good one by looking at the outside. They fail with cracked solder joints from vibration or other internal issues and look perfectly normal. Even new relays out of the box sometimes fail. So age has nothing to do with it either. Follow the advise and change it out and try if the car starts.

Ingo

Kidasters · Kidasters's Garage

Brad - any updates? Just wondering.

Ken

bbturbo · 06-03-2016, 08:53 AM

The shop said my starter was dead and unfortunately I have been out of town and not able to deal with it. I will know something today and can report back. I told them to check the DME and put in the one I had to test it before they try anything.

TMc993 · 06-03-2016, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbturbo

The shop said my starter was dead...

This is absolutely none of my business, but unless I'm missing something, a dead starter would not cause your engine to suddenly stop running. You may have a dead starter, but I'd be willing to bet pretty good money that there's something else going on with your car.

bbturbo · 06-03-2016, 11:27 AM

Thanks, Terry, for mentioning this and watching out. I already knew something else was going on with the car as soon as it happened. The starter is just a side effect to the real problem at hand. I will report back when I know more.

Kidasters · Kidasters's Garage

Brad - did they get back to you?

bbturbo · 06-12-2016, 06:22 PM

Sorry for yet another delay. I've been traveling for work, again, and my mechanic's wife was in an accident, so 964 got bumped to back burner for a bit. Will report back when I know more.

bbturbo · 06-14-2016, 10:15 AM

Okay, got some bad news. It sounds like a rod gave out in the engine and the engine will not hand turn. Looks like the engine will be coming apart, which is fine. It has sure put in its time at just over 178k. I have thought about selling the car with the blow engine just simply because I do not have the time to deal with this, but I do have a fun build in mind for when I do have the time. Thanks, all, for asking and for concerns. It will get back on the road eventually, but it may back burner for a bit since I have been trying to get my SC road worthy.

Kidasters · Kidasters's Garage

Brad -

That sux. At the same time, the 3.8 L is calling!!!

bbturbo · 06-17-2016, 05:41 AM

Haha, I thought the same thing initially, but I am pretty sure I will be selling it as is unfortunately. So, if anyone is interested at 23k I can get all the info to them on the car.

flydjb · 06-22-2016, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbturbo

Haha, I thought the same thing initially, but I am pretty sure I will be selling it as is unfortunately. So, if anyone is interested at 23k I can get all the info to them on the car.

Yes, please send all specifics on the car, am possibly interested.

bbturbo · 07-12-2016, 01:13 PM

Update for you guys. Luckily for me, my tech uncovered today that my bottom end is perfectly fine and I just have to do a top end job. Cylinder 3 had valve issues. I was worried about case issues with the bottom end going. I find out more in the morning, but my pocket book is relieved... for now!

wesleyc · wesleyc's Garage

Congrats on dodging the bullet !

bbturbo · 07-19-2016, 01:49 PM

Thanks, Wesleyc. The engine is actually being dropped out and undergoing the rebuild this week. I will be sure to get some pictures. Very curious to know what caused it all. Pelican better love me for the parts order I am about to make for the rebuild.

wesleyc · wesleyc's Garage

I'm curious also ? Maybe Wayne will give employees raises after your $ order